The Chainlink

Tour de Fat car trade opportunity

New Belgium is running an awesome program at Tour de Fat this year where one smart person trades in their car for an awesome custom bike of their choice.  Each car-for-bike swapper will choose a local bike shop to help turn a $2,250 budget into an ultimate car-replacement commuter bike.  The details are here on New Belgium's web site.  http://www.newbelgium.com/LegalPurchasingAge.aspx?ReturnUrl=http%3a...

If you have any questions reply here or contact me at 312-656-1953.

Here are some shops that are participating.

Ciclo Urbano (2459 W. Division St.)

Johnny Sprockets (3001 N.Broadway or 1052 W. Bryn Mawr)

Comrade Cycles (1908 W. Chicago Ave.)

Rapid Transit (1900 W. North Ave.)

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Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on July 13, 2012 at 11:44am

This is awesome.  I missed it by 3 years though.  Would have loved 2,250 towards a commuter bike!  I used the proceeds of my car to buy a trailer.

Permalink Reply by Steven Vance on July 13, 2012 at 12:18pm

In the past didn't the winner get a bike on the stage, one of those custom New Belgium Brewery cruisers? ($2,250 is better than that, for sure!)

I'm gonna go buy a car for $500 and then sign up!

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on July 13, 2012 at 12:29pm

yes, they used to get a cruiser. now they get voucher to a bike shop so they can create their own bike. 

Permalink Reply by Andrew on July 13, 2012 at 12:33pm

I can't say that wasn't my first thought (though it was quickly dismissed).  $2250 would yield an astounding commuter ride, accessories and clothing to get someone on 2 wheels year-round.  Bravo to New Belgium and WTB/CU. 

Steven Vance said:

In the past didn't the winner get a bike on the stage, one of those custom New Belgium Brewery cruisers? ($2,250 is better than that, for sure!)

I'm gonna go buy a car for $500 and then sign up!

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on July 13, 2012 at 12:36pm

yeah! I'm pretty sure that past years winners all came from The Chainlink so get to it guys!  If you are on the fence about selling your car, now is a great time to take the plunge.

Permalink Reply by Andrew on July 13, 2012 at 12:40pm

This is an absurdly great opportunity.  It's not far off $-wise from "cash for clunkers" and you end up with a bike you've selected from a handful of Chicago's better bike shops rather than another car and years of note payments and insurance/licensing/sticker fees.

RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME.


Julie Hochstadter said:

If you are on the fence about selling your car, now is a great time to take the plunge.

Permalink Reply by dan brown on July 13, 2012 at 1:07pm

serge - buy a clunker off craigslist for $300. if you don't win - donate it to kars for kids, etc (or let me steal it...(lol))

Permalink Reply by Tim S on July 17, 2012 at 5:01pm

damn you Dan Brown you put that awful jingle in my head!

Permalink Reply by Bikefreeek on July 18, 2012 at 9:08am

 “Tour de Fat” Still Needs a Car-for-Bike Swapper

 Traveling Festival Comes to Chicago this Saturday
              
Ft. Collins, CO, July 18, 2012 – Tour de Fat, New Belgium Brewing’s traveling celebration of all things bicycle, is still looking for a car-for-bike swapper for its Chicago stop on Saturday, July 21 at Palmer Square. A highlight of Tour de Fat is the annual car-for-bike swap, where one person will hand over his or her car keys and commit to one year of living car-free. This year, the swapper will choose a local bike shop to help turn a $2,250 budget into an ultimate car-replacement commuter bike. Vehicles for Charity will auction the cars, with proceeds benefitting local cycling organizations.

 

To submit a swapper application, go to the New Belgium Tour de Fat Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TourDeFat), click on events and your city of choice, and upload a video. Applicants may also submit letters about why New Belgium should select them by emailing: trademycarforabike@newbelgium.com.

 

Tour de Fat kicks off with a colorful bicycle parade and the day is chock-full of live entertainment, crazy bike contests, delicious food and a selection of New Belgium beers. Although the event is free, all beer and merchandise proceeds support local nonprofits. In fact, Tour de Fat just broke the $2 million mark for total funds raised since its inception 13 years ago. Last year’s Chicago Tour de Fat stop raised more than $21,500 and had about 4,000 attendees.

 

Date:                                               

Saturday, July 21

Parade Registration:                        
9:00 a.m.

 

Ride Times:                                    
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

 

Entertainment:                        
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

Location:                                     
Palmer Square

N. Kedzie Avenue & W. Palmer Square

 

Benefitting:                                    
West Town Bikes – http://westtownbikes.org/ 

The over-arching goals of West Town Bikes (WTB) are to promote bicycling in the city of Chicago, educate youth with a focus on under-served populations, and foster and serve Chicago's growing bicycling community. While maintaining headquarters and a workspace in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, WTB has become a city-wide service provider for youth programs.

 

Sustainability Support By:

Illinois Recycling Association – http://www.illinoisrecycles.org/

 

Performances By:

Los Amigos Invisibles – http://beta.amigosinvisibles.com/english/

The Cleverlys – http://thecleverlys.com/

Mucca Pazza –  http://mucca-pazza.org/

Yo-Yo People – http://www.yoyoshow.com/

Sssnakenstein – http://www.snakenstein.com

**We are excited to present our first ever collaboration with: The Moth - True Stories Told Live – http://themoth.org/. Check their website for information about presenting your great bicycle-themed story!**

 

Price:

Admission – Free

Parade – Suggested donation of $5 or more
Beer – $5 for a 16 oz. pour


In 2011, Tour de Fat traveled to 13 cities, attracting a total of 69,550 festival attendees and 41,150 parade cyclists.  It also raised $401,563 and boasted an impressive 90 percent diversion of waste from landfills. 

 

See https://www.facebook.com/TourDeFat for the Tour de Fat credo, schedules, videos and to submit your entry to swap your gas guzzler for a fancy new bike. 

 

About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces nine year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Belgo IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Shift Pale Lager, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases.  In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship.  For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.
Permalink Reply by Michael Craft on July 19, 2012 at 2:05pm

Thanks for the invite Melissa.  It's true the Tour de Fat Carnies have arrived.  We'll be at the Owl Bar tonight, come join us for the Tour de Fat pre-party.  We are looking for someone who wants to live the good life and be free from their car for at least a year.  This year we wanted to make it more local, so whomever gets picked, also picks their favorite bike shop to do the build.  $2250 is a lot of commuter bike so don't forget the helmet and bike lock(s) and rain gear.  Bring it on Chicago...

 

Permalink Reply by Melissa on July 19, 2012 at 4:39pm

I wish I had a car to ditch!  You could soup up one hell of a ride on that budget. 

The Chainlink loves Tour de Fat.  I dare everyone reading this to hit up BOTH Bar Night at Archie's AND the pre-party.  Thursday is the new Friday? 

link

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on July 19, 2012 at 7:11pm

I'll trade my van; does it count if it has not moved for close to a year?

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